After announcing a fourth recall of more than 7,300 2010 Camry vehicles, Toyota is now under U.S. federal investigation after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that an investigation might be forthcoming and necessary for 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corollas. More than 150 complaints have been registered about these late model vehicles having issues with uneven and shaky steering.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda and other Toyota officials announced that they are considering a recall of more than 500,000 Corollas, which would be the company’s fourth major recall announced since October 2009 (, and fifth overall including the aforementioned Camry recall. Should Toyota determine a recall is necessary, that would push the number of recalled vehicles to nearly 10 million worldwide.
Drivers are reporting that when their vehicles reach speeds between 50 and 60 miles per hour, the steering can become shaky and cause the automobile to sway left and right, in some cases causing the driver to pass over lane lines and creating a dangerous driving situation. As of yet no major injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with this problem, however automobile experts and analysts agree that a recall is highly certain to happen. Should a recall take place, that would mean that Toyota will have recalled the top selling car in the U.S. (Camry), as well as the second highest selling car (Corolla) and the top selling hybrid (Prius).
October’s recall involved more than 3.8 million vehicles and was caused by floor mats that were interfering with the gas pedals and causing sudden unintended acceleration. In January, Toyota recalled an additional 2.3 million vehicles due to an unrelated issue with sudden unintended acceleration. This time Toyota claimed the problem was a missing piece in the gas pedal mechanism, however it is still being argued by automotive experts and consumer watchdogs that the problem stems from a defect in the electronic throttle system. Weeks later, Toyota recalled more than 300,000 Prius models and Lexus HS 250h hybrids due to defects in the electronic brake systems. And last week Toyota recalled more than 7,300 Camrys due to issues with the brake hose leaking.
Toyota has met with U.S. House committee officials once already this month and will meet with another committee next week regarding investigations into each vehicle and the subsequent reasons for recall. As of now, nine Toyota models have been recalled with years ranging from 2005 to 2010.
The world’s leading auto manufacturer is also taking an additional hit, this time with Isuzu natural-gas powered trucks. Isuzu, which is partially owned by Toyota, is recalling more than 4,200 models of these unique trucks due to possible leaks in the fuel lines which can cause fires in the truck cabs.
If you or a loved one owns one of the affected Toyota models and have experienced problems with sudden unintended acceleration or stuck accelerators, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.